Golf used to be a game dominated by adults. Adults found it to be a sort of “get away” from the real world, where they can be relaxed and walk on an even freshly mowed lawn. However, over the years, more and more kids are getting into the game. This shift can largely be attributed to the young under20 stars that began to win tours.
Due to this, the golf industry for kids is now big business. There are now junior gold equipment, uncountable golf clubs for kids, training aids, and junior tours all over the place. The current trend has opened up a great opportunity for young golfers, and now your kid of just some years can get into the game. What is even sweeter is that they can do this either recreationally or professionally.
If you have decided to introduce your kid to the world of golf then there may be some confusion as to where to start from since there are so many options to pick from. However, you do not have to worry, we are here to assist. With the tips we will share in this article, you will be armed with all the information you need to keep your kid on the course (pun intended).
1. Make it About Fun
Now, this is the first thing you have to keep in both your mind and that of your kid; it is all about fun. You may have lofty hopes of your child becoming very proficient in the game and even maybe taking it professionally. However, you would be ruining the experience for your kid (and yourself) if you make the training about this.
Ensure you know it’s all fun and games, ensure your kid knows this too. This way, if your kid doesn’t pick an interest in the game neither you nor them will feel too bad about it. On the flip side, if your kid shows an affinity towards the sport and wishes to devote a lot of time to it, ensure they do not spend all their time on it.
Ensure they engage in other activities and sports to enable them to grow into a balanced and well-rounded person.
2. Teach the Kid the Etiquettes of the Game
We are sure you can’t just wait to make your kid the next Tiger Woods but do not be in a hurry to put a club in their hands. You would first have to explain the basic etiquettes of golf. The first lesson does not need a ball or a club. Getting your kid to sit still during the conversation may be a problem. So, we advise that you make the discussion concise and fun if you want to make sure they understand you.
As someone wanting to teach golf to a child, we are certain you know how to play the game yourself; therefore, you are well aware of the etiquettes of the sport. If you are also a newbie at this (we do not see how this would work), then you need to know that golf is an honorable sport where participants are made to police themselves.
Therefore, the etiquettes required in the game can mirror how people should behave in their daily lives, with concern and respect for people around them. You can visit Golf Digest here to find out more on the etiquettes of golf. If you can imbibe the basic core of this game to your kid, trust us, these values will echo throughout their lives.
3. Get the Equipment
Now that the child is fully primed on golf’s core value, you need to get into the business properly. The first step to do this is to get the equipment. Getting the right set of equipment for a kid may be quite the job because of all the options readily available.
We want to make sure that the child you teach this wonderful game does not experience issues in their training so you would need to devote time to get the equipment. Ensure the equipment you get is from reliable junior golf stores.
Some studies report that several junior golfers developed their swings when using bad equipment. This often leads to them having lifelong swing defects. We, therefore, cannot overemphasize the fact that you need to get the right set of equipment. Some stores sell adult clubs and simply cut them down to kid’s size, this makes the club unbalanced and too heavy for kids, ensure you avoid clubs like this and shop from s reliable store.
4. Get a Place to Play
Not all golf courses accommodate junior golfers, so you would need to get a place that would accommodate children. When you find a course willing to accommodate your kid you will need to find out the times that are set aside for young golfers.
PGA of America & U.S Kids Golf announced an initiative called The PGA of America Family Course Program. Luckily, this initiative is nationwide and aids PGA Golf Professionals to make the game fun for their family members regardless of ability and age. You can click here to learn more about this program. Most facilities are already installing these tees and so far, responses have been positive.
Therefore, with time, more facilities will add these tees.
5. Get an Instructor
After you must have accomplished all the tips listed above, it would be time to get teaching. Now, if you are a golfer then you can now teach the kid all that you know since you have already prepped them correctly. But, if you want the kid to practice professionally, or you are a newbie to golf you would need an instructor.
You can get an instructor from the internet or you can find one at the facility where you want your kid to play. Regardless of where you find the instructor, we advise that you be present in all lessons. This would help you evaluate your child’s progress and also ensure that your kid stays comfortable and have as much fun as possible.
Conclusion
Getting a child to learn golf does not necessarily have to be a problem. The tips which we have discussed in this article will make sure of that.
